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HappyShield Was Created as a Low Cost Solution to PPE Shortages

Researchers from the University of Queensland and the University of Cambridge have come together to design a unique foldable protective mask, called the HappyShield.

HappyShield is made using "curved-crease origami," which enables the plastic material to be folded along the creases to create a shield that protects the face from droplets, and even includes an additional barrier up top that increases the amount of coverage. What sets HappyShield apart from the many other face mask designs that have recently been devised is its simplicity.

While most plastic face masks require specialist equipment like a 3D printer, HappyShield can be created with just a clear sheet of plastic and an elastic. With shortages of personal protective equipment, the simplicity of HappyShield makes it a viable solution for those who find themselves with limited resources and equipment.